How to Apply

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) applicants must complete an application through SOPHAS and a GSU/CAS Liaison application.
During the application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
The admissions cycle for Fall 2021 will be open from August 17 to December 1, 2020.
Applicants to the DrPH program must provide documentation of successful completion of a Masters in Public Health or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of three years of verifiable, applied public health professional experience. Applicants with five or more years of applied work experience will be given preference.
The application period for Fall 2021 will open August 17, 2020. Applicants for the Fall 2021 incoming class must complete TWO applications:
- Complete and submit a SOPHAS application: click here
- Complete and submit a Georgia State University supplemental application (GSU/CAS Liaison) and $50 fee: https://gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/
Note: Both applications and all supporting documents must be in by the deadline. All applications must be SOPHAS “verified” and Georgia State “complete-ready for review.”
Application Steps
- Step 1: Choose a program (DrPH)
- Step 2: DrPH students do not choose an area of concentration
- Step 3: Complete and submit a SOPHAS application – click here
- Step 4: Complete and submit the required online Georgia State University Graduate School Supplemental Application –https://gradapply.gsu.edu/apply/ (Select application type: GSU/CAS-Liaison Programs, then select college: School of Public Health)
- Step 5: Send GRE, GMAT or MCAT scores directly to Georgia State University (school code 5251)
- Step 6: Send all application materials (except test scores) directly to SOPHAS
During the application process, you will receive emails from our Office of Academic Assistance (OAA) containing follow-up questions or confirming receipt of your application. It is important for you to regularly check your email inbox and respond to emails from our OAA staff.
SOPHAS application instructions and FAQs:
https://portal.sophas.org/sophasHelpPages/frequently-asked-questions/index.html
Complete list of instructions for the Georgia State University application materials:
http://publichealth.gsu.edu/academic/apply/admissions-requirements/
GRE or GMAT Scores
- Submitting GRE or GMAT scores is now optional for all applicants for Fall 2021 admission to the DrPH program offered through the School of Public Health at Georgia State. Questions? Contact the Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services at sphadmissions@gsu.edu. For all other admission cycles, please send GRE or GMAT scores directly to Georgia State University (school code 5251).
- We recommend you take the test no later than two months prior to the application deadline to ensure your scores arrive in time.
- MCAT or LSAT scores cannot be accepted in lieu of GRE scores for DrPH admissions.
- GRE or GMAT scores cannot be more than 5 years old.
- Applicants with an earned ECFMG Certificate or earned doctorate (including an M.D. or J.D.) from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. do not need to provide examination scores.
- Competitive GRE test scores should range in the 60th to 70th percentile for all sections. The School does not have minimum score requirements, but applicants with scores below 300 are less likely to be accepted.
- While no minimum GPAs are required, applicants with a cumulative undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.2 or above are considered more competitive. The Admissions Committee will also take into account the rigor of the academic program and degree.
The following documents must be submitted directly to SOPHAS (not Georgia State University):
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Upload and attach to SOPHAS application.
Transcripts
- Send directly to SOPHAS.
- One official transcript from each college and/or university previously attended (including Georgia State University). Transcripts are required regardless of length of stay or if the grades are listed on another institution’s transcript.
- Admission preference will be given to students who have already acquired a master’s in public health (MPH) or equivalent degree. You must possess at least a master’s-level graduate degree to be admitted into the DrPH program. Students who hold a master’s degree in a discipline other than public health will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those applicants accepted without an MPH will be required to take prerequisite MPH core curriculum courses.
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
- Limit statements to one single-spaced page, or two double-spaced pages. Include discussion regarding:
- Your previous academic and professional experiences as well as work in the area of public health or health care;
- Your career and personal goals and how you believe the degree you are seeking will help you achieve these goals;
- Your specific interest in the Georgia State University DrPH program.
Three Reference Letters
- When completing the online application in SOPHAS, you will submit the names and email addresses for three individuals knowledgeable about your academic and/or professional abilities. Your recommenders will be sent instructions via e-mail on how to submit their recommendations through the secured application server.
- It is strongly recommended that at least one reference letter is an academic reference, especially if your graduate school graduation has occurred in the last three years. Three professional references are acceptable if you are unable to obtain an academic reference.
For International Applicants
Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores
- For applicants whose native language is not English, include a copy of your TOEFL/IELTS scores (if available) in your application packet.
- Note for IELTS scores: e-mail “test report form number” to sphadmissions@gsu.edu
International Credential Evaluation
- Any applicant who has completed all or part of their education outside the United States is required to have foreign credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
- Study abroad credit is exempt from evaluation.
- WES is the only evaluation service accepted by SOPHAS. Please view SOPHAS instructions and FAQ’s.
Foreign Student Financial Statement
- For international applicants seeking a student visa.
- Students affected by the U.S. Travel Ban should visit International Student & Scholar Services for the latest updates: https://isss.gsu.edu/